Students’ Awareness and Embracement of Soft Skills by Learning and Practicing Teamwork

10.28945/4650 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 185-201
Author(s):  
Noa Ragonis ◽  
Orit Hazzan ◽  
Gadi Har-Shai
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Software Engineering ◽  
Computer Science ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Future Research ◽  
University Graduates ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
The Individual

Aim/Purpose: This paper presents a study about changes in computer science and software engineering students’ perceptions of their soft skills during their progress through the Computer Science Soft Skills course. Background: Soft skills are often associated with a person’s social, emotional and cognitive capabilities. Soft skills are increasingly sought out and are well recognized by employers alongside standard qualifications. Therefore, high importance is attributed to soft skills in computer science and software engineering education. Methodology: Content analysis was applied to interpret, categorize and code statements from students’ course assignment answers. Data analysis was performed gradually at the three main stages of the course and by the two students’ study populations. Contribution: The paper highlights the variety of (a) soft skills that can be learnt in one course, both on the individual level and on the team level and (b) assignments that can be given to students to increase their awareness and motivation to practice and learn soft skills. Findings: Data analysis revealed the following: (a) five individual soft skills categories, with 95 skills, and five team-related soft skills categories, with 52 skills (in total, the students mentioned 147 soft skills); (b) course assignments and particularly team-based activities elicited student awareness of their individual soft skills, both as strengths and weaknesses; (c) students developed their reflection skills, particularly with respect to team-related soft skills; and (d) significant differences exist between the two groups of students in several categories. Recommendations for Practitioners: It is important to provide undergraduate students with opportunities to integrate soft skills during their training. Establishing a meaningful learning process, such as project-based learning, enables students to apply and develop soft skills when accompanied by reflective thought processes. Recommendation for Researchers: A similar course can be taught and be accompanied by similar analysis of students’ learning outcomes, to examine the influence of local culture on the characteristics of soft skills. Impact on Society: Increased awareness of soft skills in scientists and engineers’ undergraduate education. University graduates who will strengthen their variety of soft skills in their academic training process and will be more meaningful employees in the workplace and in society. Future Research: Our future research aims (a) to explore additional innovative ways to increase students’ learning processes, awareness and practices in relation to soft skills and (b) to research how students’ soft skills are developed during the entire undergraduate studies both on the individual level and the team level.

Small Business Orientation: A Construct Proposal

2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 529-552
Author(s):  
Rodney C. Runyan ◽  
Jeffrey G. Covin
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Business Management ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Multidimensional Construct ◽  
Small Business Management ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Business Orientation

Entrepreneurship and small business management literatures diverged decades ago, with the former receiving the bulk of subsequent scholarly attention. The concept of a small business orientation (SBO) has not been widely and consistently employed in the literature. We present a conceptual framework aimed at clarifying the construct of SBO, and conceptualize SBO as a firm size- and age-independent phenomenon operating at the individual level, and reflecting manager values about how the business ought to be conducted. We discuss the values-based derivation of SBO, identify elements of this multidimensional construct, its likely consequences, and propose future research directions.

A Comprehensive Synthesis of Theories of Mobile Shopping Adoption and Narrative Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 52-74
Author(s):  
Rajat Gera ◽  
Priyanka Chadha ◽  
Shirin Alavi
Keyword(s):  
Distribution Channel ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Advanced Technology ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Theoretic Approach ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Mobile Shopping ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
The Individual

This paper aims to synthesize and integrate the existing literature on MSA adoption and provide directions for future research through narrative review by classifying and organizing the accumulated knowledge into a thematic framework. The paper's theoretical, conceptual approaches, and results were organized into three themes: online distribution channel (theoretical approaches and antecedent factors of MSA adoption, consumer characteristics), advanced technology for in-store shopping (marketing aspects of MSA), and technology perspectives (technology aspects of MSA). The 25 theories of mobile shopping app (MSA) adoption and usage (at the individual level) from 22 reviewed papers were summarized, defined, and mapped with authors. Research questions have been proposed for theories used in reviewed papers and new theories. MSA adoption is at an emergent stage of evolution with fragmentation of theoretical and methodological approaches. While theories of technology adoption and behavioral intentions have been used predominantly, most studies have adopted a multi-theoretic approach or have extended/modified the model with hedonic, situational, and behavioral constructs. The findings related to consumer characteristics of MSA adoption, anchor constructs, moderator and mediator variables, and marketing and technology features of MSA are synthesized and organized according to the themes. Theoretical and practical implications are drawn, research limitations are identified, and future research directions are suggested.

Business plan competitions in developed and emerging economies

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Syed Awais Ahmad Tipu
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Business Plan ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Research Gaps ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
The Individual

Purpose This paper aims to review the academic literature on business plan competitions in developed and emerging economies to assess the contribution to the knowledge so far and identify research gaps. Design/methodology/approach A variety of databases (such as ABI/Inform Global, Academic Search Complete, Business Source Premier and Emerald Full Text) were used to find peer-reviewed journal articles. Regardless of time, different search terms were used to find relevant journal articles such as business plan competitions, business plan contests, business plan teams, business plan judges, business plan development and business plan scores. After a careful review of the identified articles, a total of 22 articles were included in the final review. The articles in the final set were manually coded using the thematic codes. Findings Despite the popularity of business plan competitions, limited academic literature exists, particularly in the context of emerging economies. A total of 16 out of 22 studies are conducted in developed economies. The findings suggest that the literature on business plan competitions is largely centered on the structure of business plan competitions, the characteristics of the participating teams and the benefits of business plan competitions. The individual level benefits of business plan competitions include the development of entrepreneurial skills, opportunity for networking and access to mentors. Business plan competitions can be better aligned with public policy, particularly in case of emerging economies. Therefore, a more focused and integrated approach among industry, academia and government in encouraging business plan competitions could potentially make a far-reaching impact in establishing an enterprising society. While much is known about the structure and the benefits of business plan competitions, there are various research gaps which need to be addressed. Originality/value The current paper is the first identifiable review of the literature on business plan competitions. The proposed questions for future research will potentially help in addressing the identified research gaps.

Does Sophistication Affect Electoral Outcomes?

2016 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauri Rapeli
Keyword(s):  
Future Research ◽  
Citizen Competence ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Electoral Outcomes ◽  
Sociodemographic Determinants ◽  
Political Left ◽  
Electoral Behaviour ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Right

It is widely assumed that a representative democracy requires an enlightened citizenry in order to function properly. The competence of citizens has been studied extensively and the sociodemographic determinants of political sophistication are particularly well known. Much less is known about whether and how citizen competence affects electoral behaviour and outcomes. This article reviews the existing literature on these topics. Despite the widespread consensus that, generally speaking, citizen competence matters for electoral outcomes, the review produced a mixed result: some studies suggest that the political left would benefit from a better-informed electorate, while other studies suggest the opposite. Although the majoritarian electoral context is overrepresented in the evidence, the review shows that at the individual level, political knowledge greatly increases a person’s ability to match personal preferences with the right candidate or party in an election. The article also identifies several gaps in existing knowledge, thereby suggesting future research questions.

scholarly journals Cyber Business Law and Project-Based Learning

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (11) ◽  
pp. 62-73
Author(s):  
Jason Powell ◽  
Carmella Parker ◽  
Margaret Kilcoyne
Keyword(s):  
Learning Style ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Business Law ◽  
Approach To Learning ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Computer Information Systems ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Group Environment ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Legal Concepts

This article describes a project-based learning pedagogical approach to learning legal concepts that transforms these concepts into managerial propositions for students, especially for computer information systems and business administration majors.  This pedagogy provides opportunities and experiences for students to become sensitive enough to real-world topics that they can posit a question to a legal professional regarding cyber business laws.  The hands-on project-based learning method is an engaging and interactive way to learn the information in a group environment, and then it requires the student to demonstrate knowledge at the individual level.  The data collected for this study suggests that the project-based learning style is effective for learning legal concepts.

scholarly journals Data Analysis of Pile-free bike-sharing from Market Status to Operation Management Mode

2021 ◽  
Vol 251 ◽  
pp. 01052
Author(s):  
Jingyu Liang ◽  
Yiqing Zhu ◽  
Peixue Lin
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Urban Traffic ◽  
Management Mode ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Bike Sharing ◽  
Market Status ◽  
Subject Areas ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Operation And Management

Shared travel plays a more and more active role in the emergence of urban traffic, but there is no systematic and perfect combing and analysis on the study of bike-sharing without piles, especially on its operation and management mode. This paper will conduct a comprehensive data analysis on the research of bike-sharing without piles from the individual micro level and the enterprise government level, and explore the research focus and possible subject areas of future research.

scholarly journals Do Soft Skills matter? A Study on Employability of Engineering Graduates in Bangladesh

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 21-44
Author(s):  
Rumana Afroze ◽  
Tamanna Parvin Eva ◽  
Atiqur Rahman Sarker
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Students ◽  
Practical Knowledge ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Learning Goals ◽  
University Graduates ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
Human Skills ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objective: University graduates in Bangladesh are presently confronted with high job competition. Because of less job availability, engineering graduates are facing more challenges in getting job opportunities than business graduates. Moreover, engineering graduates are more proficient in technical skills than with their human skills. The most important barrier for engineering graduates’ employability at their initial stage of career is that they have less focus on acquisition of their soft skills. Therefore, this study is concentrating to analyse the current situation of the engineering graduates’ soft skills deficiency and to investigate the impact of having soft skills on employability. Methodology:The nature of the study is qualitative and data has been gathered through in-depth interview and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Respondents of in-depth interview are experienced engineers and HR experts who are working in engineering based organizations especially at the power solution service providing companies in Bangladesh. FGD among final year undergraduate engineering students has also been conducted to validate the interview data. Thematic analysis is used to analyse the qualitative data. Findings:The impact of having soft skills in getting employment of new graduates at the entry level is identified in this paper. Value Added: Higher education can assist in developing employability through increasing employment prospect and also achieving individual learning goals. However, fresh engineering graduates have social skills gap and lack of practical knowledge which can be reduced through acquiring soft skills. Different techniques such as self-training, institutional training, joining language sessions, attending presentation skills development classes and social programs can assist graduates in the acquisition of soft skills. Recommendations: As the most important reason of engineers’ unemployment is the lacking of collaboration between industry and academic institutions, this study focuses to draw the attention of engineering students, educational institutes and policy makers to highlight the importance of developing soft skills for employability and career growth.

An empirical test of an Antecedents – Privacy Concerns – Outcomes model

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 583-600 ◽  
Author(s):  
John H. Benamati ◽  
Zafer D. Ozdemir ◽  
H. Jeff Smith
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Empirical Test ◽  
Information Privacy ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Privacy Concerns ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Level Of Analysis

This study extends privacy concerns research by providing a test of a model inspired by the ‘Antecedents – Privacy Concerns – Outcomes’ (APCO) framework. Focusing at the individual level of analysis, the study examines the influences of privacy awareness (PA) and demographic variables (age, gender) on concern for information privacy (CFIP). It also considers CFIP’s relationship to privacy-protecting behaviours and incorporates trust and risk into the model. These relationships are tested in a specific, Facebook-related context. Results strongly support the overall model. PA and gender are important explanators for CFIP, which in turn explains privacy-protecting behaviours. We also find that perceived risk affects trust, which in turn affects behaviours in the studied context. The results yield several recommendations for future research as well as some implications for management.

An Introduction, Review, and Conceptual Analysis of Mattering as an Essential Construct and an Essential Way of Life

2021 ◽  
pp. 073428292110576
Author(s):  
Gordon L. Flett
Keyword(s):  
The Self ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Way Of Life ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Societal Level ◽  
Current Article ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Sense Of Mattering ◽  
Extended Discussion

While the importance of having self-esteem is widely recognized and has been studied extensively, another core component of the self-concept has been relatively neglected—a sense of mattering to other people. In the current article, it is argued that mattering is an entirely unique and complex psychological construct with great public appeal and applied significance. The various ways of assessing mattering are reviewed and evidence is summarized, indicating that mattering is a vital construct in that deficits in mattering are linked with consequential outcomes at the individual level (i.e., depression and suicidal tendencies), the relationship level (i.e., relationship discord and dissolution), and the societal level (i.e., delinquency and violence). Contemporary research is described which shows that mattering typically predicts unique variance in key outcomes beyond other predictor variables. Mattering is discussed as double-edged in that mattering is highly protective but feelings of not mattering are deleterious, especially among people who have been marginalized and mistreated. The article concludes with an extended discussion of key directions for future research and an overview of the articles in this special issue. It is argued that a complete view of the self and personal identity will only emerge after we significantly expand the scope of inquiry on the psychology of mattering.

scholarly journals Feedback intervention research historical review

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-69
Author(s):  
Saulius Olencevicius
Keyword(s):  
Historical Context ◽  
Historical Review ◽  
Research Direction ◽  
Intervention Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Future Research Direction ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Feedback Intervention ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
The Individual

Feedback intervention research historically transformed focus from using single to using multidimensional factor analyses. Since researchers have been traditionally interested in determining how to predict future human behavior, the complexity of the feedback intervention research has grown gradually. The importance and multidimensionality of feedback construct on the individual level is presented by the key theories, which are reflected in the historical context, starting from the first “Law of effect”, up to the hybrid “Feedback Intervention Theory”. As a conclusion, possible future research direction is presented.

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